Optimizing standby database memory for post failover operation

ABSTRACT

A current minimum memory requirement for each memory consumer of one or more memory consumers of a primary database system is received. A current memory allocation for a standby database system is received. A set of benefit-to-cost metrics is received. A benefit-to-cost metric is a measure of whether each memory consumer would benefit or would not benefit from additional memory. The set of benefit-to-cost metrics is applied to the standby database system to define an upper bound memory allocation of the standby database system to function in the event of a failover from the primary database system. A scaling factor is determined. In response to receiving an indication of a failover of the primary database system to the standby database system, a ramp up of the standby database system is monitored. The ramp up of the standby database system uses the set of benefit-to-cost metrics and the determined scaling factor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of data storage,and more particularly to optimizing standby database memory for postfailover operation.

Storing and maintaining data is important on a small scale (e.g., ahomeowner keeping tax records), medium scale (e.g., companies of allsizes), and large scale (e.g., the United States government). A keycomponent in data maintenance is data backup. Some databases utilize aHADR (High Availability Disaster Recovery) system as a means ofmaintaining data. In a HADR environment, log data is shippedcontinuously from a primary database to a standby database and reappliedto the standby database so that the two databases are kept synchronized.In the event the primary database fails, the workload of the primarydatabase is taken over by the standby database. This process is known asfailover.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention include a method, computer programproduct, and system for optimizing standby database memory for postfailover operation. In one embodiment, a current minimum memoryrequirement for each memory consumer of one or more memory consumers ofa primary database system is received. A current memory allocation for astandby database system is received. A set of benefit-to-cost metrics isreceived. The set of benefit-to-cost metrics include a benefit to costmetric for each memory consumer of the one or more memory consumers ofthe primary database system. A benefit-to-cost metric is a measure ofwhether each memory consumer would benefit or would not benefit fromadditional memory. The set of benefit-to-cost metrics is applied to thestandby database system to define an upper bound memory allocation ofthe standby database system to function in the event of a failover fromthe primary database system. A scaling factor is determined using one ormore of the following: a number of memory consumers on the standbydatabase system, a total amount of memory on the standby databasesystem, and a user input which specifies an amount of time allowed forthe standby database system to ramp up, from a memory utilizationperspective, during failover of the primary database system. In responseto receiving an indication of a failover of the primary database systemto the standby database system, a ramp up of the standby database systemis monitored. The ramp up of the standby database system uses the set ofbenefit-to-cost metrics and the determined scaling factor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a computing environment, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart depicting operational steps of a program thatfunctions to optimize standby database memory for post failoveroperation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an exemplary example of the “benefit-to-cost” metrics ofincreasing or decreasing available memory of a memory consumer in adatabase system by one block of memory, in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention; and

FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram of the components of the computingenvironment of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some embodiments of the present invention recognize that a primarydatabase may operate in a High Availability Disaster Recovery (HADR)environment in which a standby database is available to take over theprimary database workload in the event the primary database fails. This“take over” process is known as failover. The primary database mayutilize a Self-Tuning Memory Manager (STMM) to allocate and balanceavailable memory amongst the primary database memory consumers. However,if failover occurs, the standby database memory is not “tuned” in thesame manner as the primary database which may negatively impact theperformance of the standby database.

Embodiments of the present invention recognize that there may be amethod, computer program product, and computer system for optimizingstandby database memory for post failover operation. The method,computer program product and computer system may use STMM input from theprimary database along with “benefit-to-cost” metrics of the primarydatabase and a scaling factor to optimize the memory in the standbydatabase so that in the event of a failover, performance of the standbydatabase is optimal.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a computing environment,generally designated 100, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention. FIG. 1 provides only an illustration of oneimplementation and does not imply any limitations with regard to theenvironments in which different embodiments may be implemented. Thoseskilled in the art may make many modifications to the depictedenvironment without departing from the scope of the invention as recitedby the claims.

An embodiment of computing environment 100 includes primary databasesystem 120 and standby database system 130. Primary database system 120includes primary memory 122 and primary self-tuning memory manager 124.Standby database system 130 includes standby memory 132, standbyself-tuning memory manager 134 and failover memory tuning program 136.Primary database system 120 and standby database system 130 areinterconnected via network 110. In example embodiments, computingenvironment 100 may include other computing devices not shown such assmartwatches, cell phones, smartphones, phablets, tablet computers,laptop computers, desktop computers, other computer servers or any othercomputer system known in the art, interconnected with primary databasesystem 120 and standby database system 130 over network 110.

In example embodiments, primary database system 120 and standby databasesystem 130 may connect to network 110 which enables primary databasesystem 120 and standby database system 130 to access any other computingdevices and/or data not directly stored on primary database system 120or standby database system 130. Network 110 may be a local area network(LAN), a telecommunications network, a wide area network (WAN) such asthe Internet, or any combination of the three, and include wired,wireless or fiber optic connections. Network 110 may include one or morewired and/or wireless networks that are capable of receiving andtransmitting data, voice, and/or video signals, including multimediasignals that include voice, data, and video information. In general,network 110 may be any combination of connections and protocols thatwill support communications between primary database system 120, standbydatabase system 130, and other computing devices (not shown) withincomputing environment 100, in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention.

In embodiments of the present invention, primary database system 120 maybe a laptop, tablet, or netbook personal computer (PC), a desktopcomputer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smartphone, or any otherhand-held, programmable electronic device capable of communicating withany computing device within computing environment 100. In certainembodiments, primary database system 120 represents a computer systemutilizing clustered computers and components (e.g., database servercomputers, application server computers, etc.) that act as a single poolof seamless resources when accessed by elements of computing environment100. In general, primary database system 120 is representative of anyelectronic device or combination of electronic devices capable ofexecuting computer readable program instructions. Computing environment100 may include any number of primary database system 120. Primarydatabase system 120 may include components as depicted and described infurther detail with respect to FIG. 4, in accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention. Standby database system 130 is substantiallysimilar to primary database system 120. In an embodiment, a singlestandby database system 130 is available for a single primary databasesystem 120. In another embodiment, a single standby database system 130is available for more than one primary database system 120. In yetanother embodiment, more than one standby database system 130 isavailable for a single primary database system 120.

In an embodiment, primary memory 122 may be storage that may be writtento and/or read by primary database system 120. In one embodiment,primary memory 122 resides on primary database system 120. In otherembodiments, primary memory 122 may reside on standby database system130 or any other device (not shown) in computing environment 100, incloud storage or on another computing device accessible via network 110.In yet another embodiment, primary memory 122 may represent multiplestorage devices within primary database system 120. Primary memory 122may be implemented using any volatile or non-volatile storage media forstoring information, as known in the art. For example, primary memory122 may be implemented with a tape library, optical library, one or moreindependent hard disk drives, multiple hard disk drives in a redundantarray of independent disks (RAID), solid-state drives (SSD), orrandom-access memory (RAM). Similarly, primary memory 122 may beimplemented with any suitable storage architecture known in the art,such as a relational database, an object-oriented database, or one ormore tables. In an embodiment of the present invention, the applications(not shown) operating on primary database system 120 may store data toprimary memory 122. Examples of data stored to primary memory 122include financial data from banks, product inventory data for asupplier, social media data, etc. Standby memory 132 is substantiallysimilar to primary memory 122.

In an embodiment, primary self-tuning memory manager 124 is a programwhich distributes memory resources among the various consumers of memoryon primary database system 120. Primary self-tuning memory manager 124also allocates and deallocates memory for the memory consumers based oncurrent system constraints such as the current workload (i.e., thenumber of applications running) on primary database system 120. Primaryself-tuning memory manager 124 functions by iteratively modifying theconfiguration of primary memory 122 in small increments with the goal ofimproving the overall performance of primary database system 120.Standby self-tuning memory manager 134 is substantially similar toprimary self-tuning memory manager 124.

According to embodiments of the present invention, standby databasesystem 130 includes user standby memory 132, standby self-tuning memorymanager 134 and failover memory tuning program 136.

In embodiments of the present invention, failover memory tuning program136 may be a program, subprogram of a larger program, application,plurality of applications, or mobile application software whichfunctions to optimize standby database memory for post failoveroperation. In an embodiment, failover is the process of the standbydatabase system taking over the workload of a failing primary databasesystem. A program is a sequence of instructions written by a programmerto perform a specific task. Failover memory tuning program 136 may runby itself but may be dependent on system software (not shown) toexecute. In one embodiment, failover memory tuning program 136 functionsas a stand-alone program residing on standby database system 130. Inanother embodiment, failover memory tuning program 136 may be includedas a part of an operating system (not shown) of standby database system130. In yet another embodiment failover memory tuning program 136 maywork in conjunction with other programs, applications, etc., found onstandby database system 130 or in computing environment 100. In yetanother embodiment, failover memory tuning program 136 may be found onprimary database system 120 or other computing devices (not shown) incomputing environment 100 which are interconnected to standby databasesystem 130 via network 110.

According to embodiments of the present invention, failover memorytuning program 136 functions to optimize standby database memory forpost failover operation. According to an embodiment of the presentinvention, failover memory tuning program 136 utilizes “benefit-to-cost”metrics of primary database system 120 as an input to optimize standbymemory 132 in standby database system 130 in preparation for a possiblefailover event.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of workflow 200 representing operational steps foroptimizing standby database memory for post failover operation, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In oneembodiment, failover memory tuning program 136 performs the operationalsteps of workflow 200. In an alternative embodiment, any other program,while working with failover memory tuning program 136, may perform theoperational steps of workflow 200. In an embodiment, failover memorytuning program 136 may invoke the operational steps of workflow 200 uponthe request of a user. In an alternative embodiment, failover memorytuning program 136 may invoke the operational steps of workflow 200automatically upon the passage of a time interval (i.e., one second,fifteen seconds, thirty seconds, etc.). In an embodiment, any of theoperational steps of workflow 200 may be performed in any order.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary example of the “benefit-to-cost” metrics ofincreasing or decreasing available memory of a memory consumer in adatabase system by one block of memory, in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention. The “benefit-to-cost” metrics are a measurefor determining which memory consumers need additional memory the leastand which memory consumers would benefit the most from additionalmemory. The “benefit-to-cost” metrics are determined by calculating the“benefit” (e.g., the number of input/output operations avoided and thetime saved) by adding an additional block of memory to the memoryallocation for a given memory consumer. The “cost” of removing a blockof memory is also determined. In FIG. 3, column 302, column 304 andcolumn 306 comprise memory consumer ‘A’, memory consumer ‘B’, and memoryconsumer ‘C’, respectively. Row 308 in FIG. 3 includes the currentmemory allocation for each memory consumer while row 310 includes thenumber of input/output (I/O) operations each memory consumer is able toexecute at the given memory allocation. Row 312 in FIG. 3 shows thenumber of I/O operations saved, and the new number of I/O operations inparentheses, for each memory consumer with the addition of one memoryblock to the current memory allocation. Row 314 in FIG. 3 shows theadditional number of I/O operations needed, and the new number of I/Ooperations in parentheses, for each memory consumer with the removal ofone memory block from the current memory allocation.

In an embodiment, failover memory tuning program 136 receives currentprimary memory (step 202). In other words, failover memory tuningprogram 136 receives the current minimum memory requirements made byprimary self-tuning memory manager 124. A memory consumer may be aprogram, an application, a database, or any other user of memory. In anembodiment, failover memory tuning program 136 receives from primaryself-tuning memory manager 124 the minimum primary memory 122requirements needed for primary database system 120 to function. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 3, memory is allocated to three memoryconsumers on a primary database as follows: memory consumer ‘A’—fiftypercent, memory consumer ‘B’—forty percent, and memory consumer ‘C’—tenpercent.

In an embodiment, failover memory tuning program 136 receives currentstandby memory allocation (step 204). In other words, failover memorytuning program 136 receives current the memory allocation made bystandby self-tuning memory manager 134 so that standby memory 132 may beallocated amongst the memory consumers (if present) on standby databasesystem 130. In an embodiment, there may be no active memory consumers ona standby database system 130. In another embodiment, standby databasesystem 130 may have one or more active memory consumers. Thisdetermination does not prepare standby database system 130 for failoveras the memory resources of primary database system 120 may differ fromthose of standby database system 130. According to an embodiment of thepresent invention, the memory allocation of standby database system 130,as determined by self-tuning memory manager 134, defines the lower bound(i.e., worst case) memory allocation required for primary databasesystem 120 to function on standby database system 130 in the event offailover. In an embodiment, failover memory tuning program 136 receivesallocation information that standby self-tuning memory manager 134 hasnot allocated standby memory 132 as there are no current memoryconsumers on standby database system 130. In another embodiment,failover memory tuning program 136 receives allocation information thatstandby self-tuning memory manager 134 has allocated standby memory 132amongst two memory consumers on standby database system 130. Forexample, memory is allocated equally between two memory consumers (notshown) from a primary database that has experienced failover.

In an embodiment, failover memory tuning program 136 receives anindication (step 206). In other words, failover memory tuning program136 receives an indication that the set of “benefit-to-cost” metricsdetermined by a self-tuning memory manager on a primary database areavailable. In an embodiment, the set of “benefit-to-cost” metrics aredetermined on a recurring basis driven by the tuning period which is thefrequency that the self-tuning memory manager runs. In an embodiment,failover memory tuning program 136 determines the set of“benefit-to-cost” metrics, of primary memory 122, as determined byprimary self-tuning memory manager 124 on primary database system 120.For an illustrative example, refer to FIG. 3. Column 302 in FIG. 3includes data specific to memory consumer ‘A’. Likewise, column 304refers to memory consumer ‘B’ and column 306 to memory consumer ‘C’. Row308 is the current memory allocation for each memory consumer, row 310is the number of input/output (I/O) operations each memory consumer canexecute at the current memory allocation, row 312 is the number of I/Ooperations saved, and new number of executable I/O operations inparentheses, associated with the theoretical addition of one block ofmemory to the current memory allocation for each memory consumer, androw 314 is the number of additional I/O operations needed, new number ofexecutable I/O operations in parentheses, associated with thetheoretical removal of one block of memory from the current memoryallocation for each memory consumer. As shown in FIG. 3 (column 306, row312), memory consumer ‘C’ benefits the most, one hundred I/O operationssaved, from a one block increase in memory. Memory consumer ‘C’ is alsonegatively impacted the most, an additional one hundred I/O operationsneeded, with a one block decrease in memory (FIG. 3, column 306, row314). As FIG. 3 illustrates, allocating memory from memory consumer ‘A’to memory consumer ‘C’ has the most benefit with the least cost (i.e.,negative impact).

In an embodiment, failover memory tuning program 136 receives metrics(step 208). In other words, failover memory tuning program 136 receivesthe set of “benefit-to-cost” metrics determined by a self-tuning memorymanager on a primary database system (i.e., the set of “benefit-to-cost”metrics are sent from the primary database system to the standbydatabase system). In an embodiment, the set of “benefit-to-cost” metricsare received every tuning period. In an embodiment, failover memorytuning program 136 receives the set of “benefit-to-cost” metrics forprimary memory 122 which were determined by primary self-tuning memorymanager 124. For example, the metrics shown in Table 300 in FIG. 3 arereceived.

In an embodiment, failover memory tuning program 136 applies metrics(step 210). In other words, failover memory tuning program 136 appliesthe set of “benefit-to-cost” metrics received in step 208 to the standbydatabase system. According to an embodiment of the present invention,the memory allocation of the standby database system, as determined byusing the applied set of “benefit-to-cost” metrics of the primarydatabase system, defines the upper bound (i.e., best case) memoryallocation required for the standby database system to function in theevent of failover. Utilizing the primary database metrics when tuningthe standby database factors in the memory resources of the standbydatabase into the memory allocation determination. In an embodiment,failover memory tuning program 136 applies the set of “benefit-to-cost”metrics, received from primary database system 120 in step 208, tostandby memory 132 on standby database system 130 during memory tuningby standby self-tuning memory manager 134. For example, the set of“benefit-to-cost” metrics from the primary database system are appliedto a self-tuning memory manager on the standby database system such thatthe standby memory is prepared to handle the specific workload of theprimary database system in the event of failover.

In an embodiment, failover memory tuning program 136 determines scalingfactor (step 212). In other words, failover memory tuning program 136determines and applies a scaling factor with which to adjust the memoryallocation on the standby database system. In an embodiment, the scalingfactor is an adjustment to the upper bound and lower bound memoryallocations of the standby database system so that the standby databasesystem, which may never become the primary database system, is notexcessively affected by the primary database system which may negativelyimpact the other memory consumers on the standby database system.According to embodiments of the present invention, a small scalingfactor results in a standby database tuned for optimum performance afterfailover while a large scaling factor results in a compromisedperformance of the standby database so that memory consumers alreadypresent on the standby database are not overly impacted in a negativemanner. In an embodiment, the scaling factor may be determined based onone or more of the following: the number of memory consumers on thestandby database system, the total amount of memory on the standbydatabase system, or the scaling factor may be a user input whichspecifies the amount of time allowed for the standby database system toramp up, from a memory utilization perspective, during failover. In anembodiment, failover memory tuning program 136 receives an input from auser of a scaling factor of one-half. For example, a database managerinputs a one-half scaling factor into a self-tuning memory manager for astandby database system.

In an embodiment, failover memory tuning program 136 determines whetherfailover has occurred (decision step 214). In other words, failovermemory tuning program 136 determines whether a primary database systemhas failed and a standby database system will become primary. In anembodiment, the determination may be made by receiving a request toactivate the standby database system due to a failure of the primarydatabase system. In another embodiment, the determination may madeintentionally, for example, due to preventative maintenance on theprimary database system. In one embodiment, failover memory tuningprogram 136 determines that failover has not occurred (decision step214, NO branch) and failover memory tuning program 136 returns to step202 to continue to optimize the standby memory. In another embodiment,failover memory tuning program 136 determines that failover has occurred(decision step 214, YES branch) and failover memory tuning program 136proceeds to step 216.

In an embodiment, failover memory tuning program 136 monitors ramp up(step 216). In other words, failover memory tuning program 136 hasdetermined that failover has occurred and now monitors the ramp up of astandby database system by the self-tuning memory manager of the standbydatabase system. In an embodiment, failover memory tuning program 136determines failover has occurred from primary database system 120 tostandby database system 130 and failover memory tuning program 136monitors the ramp up of standby database system 130. For example, aprimary database system has had a hardware failure resulting in failoverto a standby database system. In an embodiment, using a scaling factorless than one (i.e., not applying the full set of “benefit-to-cost”metrics) will result in the self-tuning memory manager requiring aperiod of time (i.e., a ramp up) to completely adjust for optimumperformance. Ramp up may be considered the time to switch between thecurrent standby database system memory allocation and the optimizedstandby database memory allocation (i.e., the new primary databasesystem memory allocation). During failover, and the resulting suddenincrease of memory consumption on the standby database system, theself-tuning memory manager will dampen the memory consumption so as notto adversely affect the overall standby database system. However, giventhe less than one scaling factor and the dampening effect, a method fora swifter ramp up may be needed for failover. In an embodiment, somepossible methods for a swifter ramp up include: eliminating thedampening, allowing the self-tuning memory manager to make largerchanges in memory allocation to reach the ideal configuration quicker,and allowing the self-tuning memory manager to proceed immediately tothe determined ideal memory allocation. According to an embodiment ofthe present invention, when failover occurs, self-tuning memory manager134 begins a ramp up of standby memory 132 which will reach a new steadystate (i.e., essentially constant over time) using the determined set of“benefit-to-cost” metrics and the determined scaling factor per failovermemory tuning program 136. For example, upon failover, a self-tuningmemory manager is allowed to proceed directly to the determined idealmemory allocation in order to shorten the time required for ramp up anda standby database system uses the determined set of “benefit-to-cost”metrics and the determined scaling factor to optimize a new steady statefor the memory of a standby database system.

FIG. 4 depicts computer system 400 which is an example of a system thatincludes failover memory tuning program 136. Computer system 400includes processors 401, cache 403, memory 402, persistent storage 405,communications unit 407, input/output (I/O) interface(s) 406 andcommunications fabric 404. Communications fabric 404 providescommunications between cache 403, memory 402, persistent storage 405,communications unit 407, and input/output (I/O) interface(s) 406.Communications fabric 404 can be implemented with any architecturedesigned for passing data and/or control information between processors(such as microprocessors, communications and network processors, etc.),system memory, peripheral devices, and any other hardware componentswithin a system. For example, communications fabric 404 can beimplemented with one or more buses or a crossbar switch.

Memory 402 and persistent storage 405 are computer readable storagemedia. In this embodiment, memory 402 includes random access memory(RAM). In general, memory 402 can include any suitable volatile ornon-volatile computer readable storage media. Cache 403 is a fast memorythat enhances the performance of processors 401 by holding recentlyaccessed data, and data near recently accessed data, from memory 402.

Program instructions and data used to practice embodiments of thepresent invention may be stored in persistent storage 405 and in memory402 for execution by one or more of the respective processors 401 viacache 403. In an embodiment, persistent storage 405 includes a magnetichard disk drive. Alternatively, or in addition to a magnetic hard diskdrive, persistent storage 405 can include a solid state hard drive, asemiconductor storage device, read-only memory (ROM), erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, or any othercomputer readable storage media that is capable of storing programinstructions or digital information.

The media used by persistent storage 405 may also be removable. Forexample, a removable hard drive may be used for persistent storage 405.Other examples include optical and magnetic disks, thumb drives, andsmart cards that are inserted into a drive for transfer onto anothercomputer readable storage medium that is also part of persistent storage405.

Communications unit 407, in these examples, provides for communicationswith other data processing systems or devices. In these examples,communications unit 407 includes one or more network interface cards.Communications unit 407 may provide communications through the use ofeither or both physical and wireless communications links. Programinstructions and data used to practice embodiments of the presentinvention may be downloaded to persistent storage 405 throughcommunications unit 407.

I/O interface(s) 406 allows for input and output of data with otherdevices that may be connected to each computer system. For example, I/Ointerface 406 may provide a connection to external devices 408 such as akeyboard, keypad, a touch screen, and/or some other suitable inputdevice. External devices 408 can also include portable computer readablestorage media such as, for example, thumb drives, portable optical ormagnetic disks, and memory cards. Software and data used to practiceembodiments of the present invention can be stored on such portablecomputer readable storage media and can be loaded onto persistentstorage 405 via I/O interface(s) 406. I/O interface(s) 406 also connectto display 409.

Display 409 provides a mechanism to display data to a user and may be,for example, a computer monitor.

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computerprogram product. The computer program product may include a computerreadable storage medium (or media) having computer readable programinstructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of thepresent invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium can be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in anycombination of one or more programming languages, including an objectoriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, andconventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language or similar programming languages. The computerreadable program instructions may execute entirely on the user'scomputer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone softwarepackage, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computeror entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario,the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through anytype of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide areanetwork (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer(for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example,programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), orprogrammable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readableprogram instructions by utilizing state information of the computerreadable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry,in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of theorder noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present inventionhave been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intendedto be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles ofthe embodiment, the practical application or technical improvement overtechnologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinaryskill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

What is claimed is: 1-7. (canceled)
 8. A computer program productoptimizing a standby database memory for post failover operation, thecomputer program product comprising: one or more computer readablestorage media; and program instructions stored on the one or morecomputer readable storage media, the program instructions comprising:program instructions to receive a current minimum memory requirement foreach memory consumer of one or more memory consumers of a primarydatabase system; program instructions to receive a current memoryallocation for a standby database system; program instructions toreceive a set of benefit-to-cost metrics, wherein the set ofbenefit-to-cost metrics include a benefit-to-cost metric for each memoryconsumer of the one or more memory consumers of the primary databasesystem and wherein the benefit-to-cost metric for each memory consumerof the one or more memory consumers is a measure of whether each memoryconsumer would benefit or would not benefit from additional memory;program instructions to apply the set of benefit-to-cost metrics to thestandby database system to define an upper bound memory allocation ofthe standby database system to function in an event of a failover fromthe primary database system; program instructions to determine a scalingfactor, wherein the scaling factor is determined using one or more ofthe following: a number of memory consumers on the standby databasesystem, a total amount of memory on the standby database system, and auser input which specifies an amount of time allowed for the standbydatabase system to ramp up, from a memory utilization perspective,during failover of the primary database system; and programinstructions, responsive to receiving an indication of a failover of theprimary database system to the standby database system, to monitor aramp up of the standby database system, wherein the ramp up of thestandby database system uses the set of benefit-to-cost metrics and thedetermined scaling factor.
 9. The computer program product of claim 8,further comprising program instructions stored on the one or morecomputer readable storage media, to: responsive to no failover of theprimary database system to the standby database system, optimize thestandby database system memory for post failover operation using the setof benefit-to-cost metrics and the determined scaling factor.
 10. Thecomputer program product of claim 8, wherein the current minimum memoryrequirement for a primary database system is determined by a self-tuningmemory manager on the primary database system and wherein the currentmemory allocation for a standby database system is determined by aself-tuning memory manager on the standby database system.
 11. Thecomputer program product of claim 10, wherein the self-tuning memorymanager on the primary database system is a program which distributesmemory resources among the one or more memory consumers on the primarydatabase system and wherein the self-tuning memory manager on thestandby database system is a program which distributes memory resourcesamong the one or more memory consumers on the standby database system.12. The computer program product of claim 8, wherein the programinstructions to apply the set of benefit-to-cost metrics to the standbydatabase system, comprises: program instructions to determine the set ofbenefit-to-cost metrics on the primary database system, wherein the setof benefit-to-cost metrics on the primary database system are determinedby a self-tuning memory manager on the primary database system; programinstructions to send the determined set of benefit-to-cost metrics tothe standby database system; and program instructions to apply thedetermined set of benefit-to-cost metrics to a memory on the standbydatabase system during a memory tuning process by the self-tuning memorymanager on the standby database system.
 13. The computer program productof claim 8, wherein the ramp up of the standby database system is a timeto switch between a current standby database system memory allocationand an optimized standby database system memory allocation based on thedetermined set of benefit-to-cost metrics and the determined scalingfactor.
 14. The computer program product of claim 8, wherein the scalingfactor is an adjustment to the upper bound memory allocation of thestandby database system and a lower bound memory allocation of thestandby database system so that the standby database system is notaffected by the primary database system.
 15. A computer system foroptimizing a standby database memory for post failover operation, thecomputer system comprising: one or more computer processors; one or morecomputer readable storage media; and program instructions stored on theone or more computer readable storage media for execution by at leastone of the one or more computer processors, the program instructionscomprising: program instructions to receive a current minimum memoryrequirement for each memory consumer of one or more memory consumers ofa primary database system; program instructions to receive a currentmemory allocation for a standby database system; program instructions toreceive a set of benefit-to-cost metrics, wherein the set ofbenefit-to-cost metrics include a benefit-to-cost metric for each memoryconsumer of the one or more memory consumers of the primary databasesystem and wherein the benefit-to-cost metric for each memory consumerof the one or more memory consumers is a measure of whether each memoryconsumer would benefit or would not benefit from additional memory;program instructions to apply the set of benefit-to-cost metrics to thestandby database system to define an upper bound memory allocation ofthe standby database system to function in an event of a failover fromthe primary database system; program instructions to determine a scalingfactor, wherein the scaling factor is determined using one or more ofthe following: a number of memory consumers on the standby databasesystem, a total amount of memory on the standby database system, and auser input which specifies an amount of time allowed for the standbydatabase system to ramp up, from a memory utilization perspective,during failover of the primary database system; and programinstructions, responsive to receiving an indication of a failover of theprimary database system to the standby database system, to monitor aramp up of the standby database system, wherein the ramp up of thestandby database system uses the set of benefit-to-cost metrics and thedetermined scaling factor.
 16. The computer system of claim 15, furthercomprising program instructions stored on the one or more computerreadable storage media for execution by at least one of the one or morecomputer processors, to: responsive to no failover of the primarydatabase system to the standby database system, optimize the standbydatabase system memory for post failover operation using the set ofbenefit-to-cost metrics and the determined scaling factor.
 17. Thecomputer system of claim 15, wherein the current minimum memoryrequirement for a primary database system is determined by a self-tuningmemory manager on the primary database system and wherein the currentmemory allocation for a standby database system is determined by aself-tuning memory manager on the standby database system.
 18. Thecomputer system of claim 17, wherein the self-tuning memory manager onthe primary database system is a program which distributes memoryresources among the one or more memory consumers on the primary databasesystem and wherein the self-tuning memory manager on the standbydatabase system is a program which distributes memory resources amongthe one or more memory consumers on the standby database system.
 19. Thecomputer system of claim 15, wherein the program instructions to applythe set of benefit-to-cost metrics to the standby database system,comprises: program instructions to determine the set of benefit-to-costmetrics on the primary database system, wherein the set ofbenefit-to-cost metrics on the primary database system are determined bya self-tuning memory manager on the primary database system; programinstructions to send the determined set of benefit-to-cost metrics tothe standby database system; and program instructions to apply thedetermined set of benefit-to-cost metrics to a memory on the standbydatabase system during a memory tuning process by the self-tuning memorymanager on the standby database system.
 20. The computer system of claim15, wherein the ramp up of the standby database system is a time toswitch between a current standby database system memory allocation andan optimized standby database system memory allocation based on thedetermined set of benefit-to-cost metrics and the determined scalingfactor.